BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Practice Test 2026 - Free BMAT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Protease enzymes play a critical role in the digestive system by breaking down proteins into their constituent amino acids. This process is essential because proteins, which are made up of long chains of amino acids, must be reduced to smaller units before they can be effectively absorbed by the body. Proteins in food are complex structures, and the digestive system utilizes proteases to cleave the peptide bonds linking these amino acids together. Once the proteins are fully digested into amino acids, they can be transported into the bloodstream and utilized by cells for various functions, including building new proteins and supporting metabolic processes.

The other options describe different functions that are not related to protease activity. For instance, converting lipids into fatty acids involves lipase enzymes rather than proteases. Absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream is a function of the intestinal lining rather than an enzymatic process, and neutralizing stomach acid is primarily the role of bicarbonate ions and certain medications, not enzymes. Thus, the primary function of protease enzymes in the digestive system is indeed to convert proteins into amino acids, facilitating their absorption and use by the body.